Walmart has made a commitment to make healthcare and healthier food more affordable and accessible, and the company showcased these efforts last Saturday at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza with their “America’s Biggest Health Fair” event.
This fair featured free screenings for blood glucose, blood pressure and vision. In addition, pharmacists were on hand to offer a variety of immunizations. The goal was to set record-breaking numbers during the single-day health fair, with hundreds of thousands of screenings and immunizations offered at the company’s participating 4,400 stores across the United States.
The retailer focused on preventive care and supporting overall wellbeing.
“There is one thing we can’t put a price on, and that’s the health of our customers. We realize we play an important role in making healthcare available to millions and helping millions put healthy meals on the table. This is a responsibility we take seriously,” said Michelle Gloeckler, executive vice president of Consumables and Health and Wellness at Walmart U.S. “From managing diabetes to running your first 5K or simply putting a healthy dinner on the table, we’re equipping our customers with solutions for total health management which spans from nutrition, fitness to preventative care and treatment.”
Walmart is the only retailer in the U.S. that operates its own pharmacies, vision centers and clinics, and also provides a comprehensive assortment of preventative and wellness products.
“We have a long history of making healthcare more affordable and accessible for our customers,” Gloeckler said. “Our $4 prescription program changed the industry and drove down healthcare costs. Our Care Clinics and Vision Centers are creating new price positions for retail health services and giving communities expanded access to services they need to live healthier lives.”
For the second year, Walmart is working with DirectHealth.com to help customers identify their health insurance needs, compare coverage options and enroll in the plan that is right for them. New this year, DirectHealth.com is working with Jackson Hewitt to staff licensed insurance agents in approximately 250 stores. These agents will help customers navigate the more than 70,000 health exchange plans available to them, as well as help customers over the age of 65 enroll in Medicare.
Last year, customers saved more than $1.09 billion on fresh fruits and vegetables, and Walmart exceeded its goal of opening 275-300 stores serving communities designated as food deserts a full year ahead of schedule.
